I received an assignment through the SIOR network for an interesting project; to find a new home for a fast-growing local enterprise engaged in the design, manufacture, and repair of breathalyzer machines. Some of the early inventors of this technology, originally part of the Cincinnati Microwave family, producer of the well-known "Escort" brand of radar detectors, started a new enterprise years earlier called Lifesafer. The devices were a logical outgrowth--and vast improvement--over the "Guardian Interlock" products started by Cincinnati Microwave.

The company started out with the thought that it needed a service center, or flex building. It soon became evident that, for a variety of reasons, that a ground floor offce space of 20,000sf or more would be necessary.

As an industrial broker, I quickly scoured the market for what few opportunities existed, and within a week had four viable relocation proposals for review by Management. Building tours were subsequently arranged; proposals were refined; and a selection was made to relocate to an industrial building that had been nicely converted to office use by a prominent Cincinnati developer. The lease was signed and the company moved in shortly before their ribbon-cutting ceremony before many local area politicians.